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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Children’s Sports Mouthguards in Vittoria
Hockey, soccer or lacrosse season coming? Vittoria parents can learn how custom children’s mouthguards are fitted, worn and replaced as young mouths grow.
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Caring for Vittoria patients at our Port Dover office
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A guard that fits well is one a child will actually keep in.
Falls, sticks, elbows and balls can all reach a child’s mouth during play. A mouthguard cushions the teeth and helps protect lips and cheeks from cuts. The trouble is that loose or bulky guards often end up in a pocket. A properly fitted guard is more comfortable, which makes it far more likely to be worn.
Children from Vittoria can be fitted for a custom sports guard at our Port Dover office. The team will look at your child’s teeth, ask about their sport and talk through how growth and new teeth may affect the fit, so you know when a replacement is likely to be needed.
Why a guard matters
Protection is worth considering even in sports that seem low-contact.
Injuries a guard can reduce
Chipped front teeth, knocked-out teeth and cuts inside the mouth are among the more common sports injuries in children. A guard spreads the force of an impact and acts as a buffer between teeth and soft tissue. It does not prevent every injury, but it can reduce the likelihood and severity of damage during play.
Kids with braces or loose teeth
Children with braces or other orthodontic appliances face extra risk of cuts from brackets, and may need a particular type of guard. Mixed dentition, with loose baby teeth and newly arrived adult teeth, also affects design. Mention these situations so the team can recommend a suitable approach for your child. The orthodontist may have advice to share as well.
The fitting
Making a custom guard usually takes more than one short step.
Checking the teeth first
Before a guard is made, the dentist checks that teeth and gums are healthy and notes any loose teeth or recent eruptions. If decay or another problem is found, it may be sensible to address it first. This also gives you a chance to ask how the guard will interact with any planned dental work.
Impressions or scans and delivery
An impression or digital scan of the teeth is taken so the guard can be shaped to your child’s mouth. When it is ready, the fit is checked and adjusted if needed. Your child should be able to breathe, drink and speak reasonably well. Ask the team to confirm how long production takes before the season starts.
Wearing it well
A few routines keep the guard comfortable and hygienic.
Habits that keep it working
Encourage your child to wear the guard for practices as well as games, since injuries happen in both. Discourage chewing on it, which can thin the material. If the guard feels loose, tight or causes sore spots, let the office know rather than having your child stop wearing it without saying anything. Coaches can help by reminding the team.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard after use and clean it gently with a soft brush. Store it in a ventilated case and keep it out of hot cars and direct sun, which can warp the shape. Pets often find guards appealing, so keep the case somewhere out of reach between games. Labelling the case helps avoid mix-ups in a team bag.
Growing mouths
Children often outgrow a guard as their teeth and jaws develop.
When the fit changes
New teeth erupting, baby teeth falling out and orthodontic changes can all affect fit. Bring the guard to checkups so the dentist can look at wear and fit. Many children need a new guard periodically, and the team can advise when a replacement makes sense rather than adjusting an old one. A quick check before each season is sensible.
If an injury still happens
If your child takes a hit to the mouth despite the guard, check for broken, loose or displaced teeth and any cuts. For a knocked-out adult tooth, contact a dentist immediately. Serious head injuries, loss of consciousness or uncontrolled bleeding need emergency medical care first. Bring the guard along to any dental visit after an injury, since it may show where the impact landed and whether it needs replacing.
Planning your appointment
Fitting a guard for a Vittoria athlete
Call our Port Dover office and mention your child’s sport, season start date and any braces or loose teeth. Ask how many visits are involved and how long the guard takes to be ready.
Bring any current guard your child uses and details of orthodontic treatment so the team can plan a suitable design.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Kids’ mouthguards
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Which sports need a mouthguard?
Contact sports such as hockey, football and lacrosse carry obvious risk, but soccer, basketball, skateboarding and martial arts can also lead to mouth injuries. Ask the team whether a guard is sensible for your child’s activities.
Is a custom guard better than a boil-and-bite one?
A custom guard is made from a model of your child’s teeth, which often improves comfort and fit. Over-the-counter guards may be bulkier or looser. The dentist can explain the differences so you can decide what suits your child.
How often will my child need a new guard?
That depends on growth, tooth changes and wear. Many children need replacements as their mouths develop. Bring the guard to checkups so the dentist can assess whether it still fits well enough to protect. Growth spurts are a common trigger.
Can my child wear a guard with braces?
Often yes, but the type of guard matters. Mention orthodontic treatment so the team can suggest an appropriate design and talk about how fit may change as teeth move. A guard may need replacing more often during active orthodontic treatment.
What should I do if the guard is damaged?
A cracked, torn or badly chewed guard may not protect as intended. Contact the office about repair or replacement. Avoid trimming or reshaping it at home, which can create sharp edges or affect fit. Bring it in so it can be assessed.
Protection and injury care pages
Children’s Dentistry →Sports Guards →
A custom sports guard helps protect teeth during contact and recreational sports. Vittoria athletes can learn about fitting, comfort and care in Port Dover.
Emergency Dental Care for Children →
When a child has a toothache, swelling or a mouth injury, knowing what to do helps. Vittoria parents can learn first steps and when to call our Port Dover office.